Frank Kihm

Frank graduated from St. Anthony School, in Wailuku, in 1947. From 1951 to 1953 he served in the Korean War as a United States Army aircraft mechanic. After the army, he studied aeronautical engineering while working a full-time job, and in 1962 received a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from San Diego University. The bulk of his professional career he worked for the Veterans Administration as an IT supervisor, both in Los Angeles and at the Presidio in San Francisco. In 1991, at age 62, he retired and returned to live on Maui. Frank spent the last couple of years going between Maui and Ladera Ranch, CA to spend more time with his son Paul and daughter-in-law Elizabeth, and reconnecting with extended family.

In 1959, Frank married Helen Osako. They had one son, Paul and lived in Southern California until Helen's passing in 1982. Frank returned to Maui for a short visit and reconnected with Leina’ala (Akiu) Cockett, whom he had known in high school. They married and returned to California where they both worked until retirement before moving back to Waikapu, Maui. They were married for 35 years at the time of Frank’s passing.

After retiring to Maui, Frank kept busy running his own yard service company (Hana Hana), working as the crossing guard at his alma mater, St. Anthony, and enjoying time with friends and family. Many remember him reading in his truck with a flashlight before his morning cross guard duty! Frank loved fishing and so looked forward to his annual trips to California to reunite with his son and close friends to revisit their favorite fishing spots. He loved to read, watch old black and white samurai movies and travel, far and wide, by plane or car, he was always up for an adventure.

Frank is survived by his wife, Lei; son, Paul (Elizabeth) Kihm; stepdaughter, Sheridan (Frances) Cockett; stepson, Craig Cockett; and sister, Ruth Molina. He was predeceased by his first wife, Helen; stepdaughter, Williet Cockett Johnson Medeiros; stepson, John V. Cockett II; sister, Alice Chung; brother, Jake Kihm; and sister, Kyng Aie Kihm.

To honor and celebrate his life, memorial service will be held at St. Anthony Church on Saturday, August 31. Visitation at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. service. Reception immediately following at Norman’s Mortuary Hall (in back) on Waiale St. in Wailuku. Burial with military honors will be 12:30 p.m. at Maui Memorial Park.